Guide to Using Dental Veneers

Now and again, we’ve all smiled into the mirror and thought that our teeth just aren’t what they could be. Maybe they’ve become stained. Maybe you’ve chipped one or two. Or perhaps they are slightly crooked or you’ve got some big gaps. An estimated 4.5% of the general population experience dental trauma every year. Accidents, like falls, are some of the most common reasons for such dental problems. At the same time, having tooth decay can increase your teeth’s risks of getting damaged. This is especially true for untreated cavities, which affect 31.6% of US adults aged 20 to 44. If your teeth are stained, then you could try whitening. However, whitening does not always produce the results that people want or hope for. What you need is an option that can make a visible difference to your teeth without being too much of a major treatment and this is the point where many people opt for Dental Veneers in Glendale, CA.

How Dental Veneers Work

Dental veneers are one of the most versatile tools a dentist has to help repair and rejuvenate your smile. Essentially veneers are paper-thin pieces of porcelain that mimic tooth enamel almost perfectly. Our dentists place the veneers over your teeth, providing structural support and giving patients the ability to smile with confidence. Since they can closely match the shade of your enamel, veneers are virtually indistinguishable once we place them. Thus, your teeth will look great without anyone knowing that you have dental veneers. Porcelain is one of the most widely used materials for veneers, as it is easily shaped and it is very durable. Porcelain veneers will often last up to ten years. Veneers can also be made from composite materials, which are a cheaper alternative whereas composite veneers may only last two years. Placing the Porcelain Veneers in Glendale, CA begins with an initial consultation visit to Infinite Dental Wellness, during which time our dentists can determine if the patient is a good candidate for dental veneers. During this stage of the process, we will evaluate the teeth, discuss the types and scope of the veneers, and conduct a smile analysis to determine what kind of smile the patient is looking for. Following that process, we can complete cosmetic imaging to show the patient what the smile could look like.

How To Care For Your Dental Veneers

Anyone who has worn traditional braces for any stretch of time knows that trying to care for a combination of teeth, gums, brackets, and wires can be nightmarishly difficult. Fortunately, learning how to care for veneers is the exact opposite. While it pays to be extra mindful about certain things, no special care is required to keep your veneers looking amazing. In fact, caring for your veneers is as easy as following these six simple tips.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene Daily

If you already have a solid dental hygiene routine, you probably won’t need to change it to care for your veneers. You just need to brush, flush, and rinse: Brush. Use nonabrasive toothpaste and either a manual or electric toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day; wait for at least an hour to brush your teeth after every meal. Floss. Floss at least once a day to remove particles caught between teeth and to protect the health of your teeth, veneers, and gums. It’s best to floss after every meal. Rinse. Swish and gargle an antiseptic mouthwash around your mouth once or twice a day to rinse it. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash because excessive exposure to alcohol can soften the bonding agent that holds the veneers to your teeth.

Avoid The Grind

Bruxism is the tendency to grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, and it’s bad news for veneers because it puts a lot of stress on them. Frankly, it’s also bad for your teeth and jaw joints, so if you suspect that you grind your teeth, speak with your dentist as soon as possible.

Chew Wisely

Veneers are quite durable but they can also chip and break. While normal foods shouldn’t present a problem, it’s best to avoid chewing on excessively hard materials like pens, nails, ice, and bones.

Protect Your Smile

Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but participating in basketball, football, wrestling, and other contact sports can endanger the health of your new smile. To protect your veneers and your natural teeth from potential trauma, we encourage our patients to invest in a mouth guard.

Beware Of Stains

Like your natural teeth, veneers can be stained, so it’s a good idea to limit foods that are known to cause discoloration, like coffee, red wine, dark sodas, tea, soy sauce, and berries. Smoking is another source of stains, so if you smoke, you may want to consider quitting.

Visit Infinite Dental Wellness Regularly

Routine dental checkups are a must for people who want healthy teeth. Making it a point to see your dentist roughly every six months will help to protect both your teeth and your veneers by ensuring that any potential problems are spotted quickly and addressed before they become major issues. In addition, your dentist or dental hygienist will use professional equipment to polish your veneers and preserve their pearly-white gleam.

By masking any imperfections, veneers let you quickly and effectively improve your smile. If you have more questions about how to care for veneers or you want to further explore your cosmetic dentistry options, Contact Us at Infinite Dental Wellness – the Best Dental Office in Glendale, CA today if you live around the neighborhood. We look forward to hearing from you!